S Sedan

Compare Dealer Clearance Prices and SAVE

Road Test

Review

2012
Ford
Fusion Review

Well-rounded midsize sedan

Reviewed by Automotive on
9/23/2011

Overview

When the Ford Fusion was redesigned for the 2010 model year, it caught the eye of automotive journalists and consumers alike. A well-rounded and comfortable ride, the 2012 Ford Fusion has a lot of space and features and continues to earn praise that the 2010 model started.

A combination of balance, a comfortable ride, and agile handling delivers a vehicle that sticks to the road with ease. While the interior is plain yet effective, the quality of materials and construction was not forfeited. The cabin has everything expected in a midsize sedan as well as some available high-tech components.

The Fusion is different than many vehicles in its class because there are two V-6 engine upgrades available instead of just one. You have the choice of picking between the base 175-horsepower 2.5L engine, the upgraded 3.0L V-6 and the 3.5L V-6 usually found in the Sport.

Overall the 2012 Ford Fusion has lost a little buzz generated by the 2010 model but if you're in the market for a family sedan, the Fusion deserves a chance to win your money.

The Range

What's New

With no real big changes for the 2012 Ford Fusion, it will continue to ride the wave of popularity the 2011 model created.

Exterior

There are four models offered in the 2012 Ford Fusion lineup plus a hybrid model. The Fusion S comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry; The SE rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and has automatic headlamps with fog lights sitting below. The SEL is also on 17-inch wheels and has a security code keyless entry pad. The Fusion Sport is lined with standard equipment found in the SE model with the exception of a sport-tuned suspension and steering and 18-inch wheels.
The Monochrome Appearance package is available on the SE and SEL and includes a sport-tuned suspension, body-colored grille and a rear spoiler. The regular chrome grille can also be substituted for the body-colored grille.

Interior

Soft-touch materials line the cabin of the 2012 Ford Fusion. The center stack is packed with many similar buttons placed awkwardly low. As per usual with Ford, the Sync system runs smoothly and orchestrates audio and Bluetooth with voice recognition technology. An optional navigation system that has a touch screen and is easier to use than the newer MyFord Touch system found in other Ford models like the Explorer and Focus.

Passenger space is plentiful in the Fusion. The driver's seat is accommodating for tall drivers but still leaves space for occupants to rest comfortably in the back. The trunk measures 16.5-cubic-feet and is one of the largest in the class. The backseat also splits and folds down enabling larger cargo to be carried. Other amenities on the Fusion include full power accessories, a four-way manual driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an AUX input. Automatic dual-zone climate control, a four-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and aluminum sport pedals are also available. The Fusion Sport's steering wheel and shifter is wrapped in leather.

Performance & Handling

The 2012 Ford Fusion's standard 175-horsepower 2.5-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission continues to be a popular with buyers. The base S is the only car in the lineup to get a six-speed manual standard but an automatic transmission is an available option. Available on the SE and SEL is a 3.0L V-6 that puts out 240 horsepower and is front-wheel drive but all-wheel-drive is an option. For the Fusion Sport, a 3.5L V-6 is response for 263 horsepower and is available in all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy plays a factor in the Fusion line-up with the 2.5L engine checking in with 23 mpg city and 33 on the highway. The 3.0L V-6 delivers 20 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway while the 3.5 L V-6 that comes standard under the hood for the Fusion Sport turns in 18 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. These are all calculated numbers with front-wheel drive configurations. The 3.0L V-6 is flex-fuel capable and can run on E85, unleaded gasoline, or any mix of the two. Fuel injection and spark timing adjust automatically to the blend of fuel detected by electronic sensors.

Dampers are included on the front lower control arms to quiet interior road noise and the door seals have been enhanced to stop wind howl. The mirrors have also been designed to push wind downward in an effort to reduce wind noise.

Safety

The 2012 Ford Fusion is loaded with safety features like stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front and side airbags and side curtain airbags. MyKey, a popular addition to Ford's lineup that permits set limits to speed and stereo volume limits, is also standard.
In government crash testing the Fusion earned an overall score of four out of five stars, three stars for front protection and four stars for side protection. In tests with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the Fusion earned the best rating possible of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side impact and roof strength tests.